the vatican says they hope to elect a new pope by easters. the pope made the announcement in latin, saying, quote, after having repeatedly examined my conscience before god, i have come to a certainly that my strengths are not -- the pope's declining health has been an issue. he goes to and from the altar on a moving platform, so he doesn't have to walk down the long aisle. sometimes he using a cane. his brothers says the doctors told hi not to take any more transatlantic trips. >>> he is also an nbc vattian analyst. george, good to see you. you and i are in somewhat frequent contact, as you send out notes about what's going on, but did anybody really see this coming? i nope he's talked about the possibility of retirement, but now? >> i was going to say, chris, it's an unexpected pleasure to see you today. this is a surprise to timing, not to fact. the pope has indicated on several previous indications if he ever came to the decision in prayer and conscience he could not give the service the church deserved, he would leave, not stand on his e